Lagos, Nigeria – April 3, 2025 — The African Knockout (AKO) Championship is set to deliver an electrifying start to the 2025 season with AKO8, happening on April 4, 2025, at The Pistis Conference Centre, Lekki, Lagos, starting at 6 PM. As Africa’s biggest MMA championship, AKO8 promises a world-class production, unmatched action, and a fight experience like no other.
This season-opening event will bring together 18 fighters from across Africa, including Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Benin, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and South Africa. Each fighter is determined to showcase their skills and dominate the AKO stage in one of the continent’s most competitive MMA events. With a high-energy atmosphere, top-tier matchups, and immersive entertainment, AKO8 is more than just a fight night—it’s a spectacle you can’t afford to miss.
During the official Face-off event which happened on April 3, 2025, fans got a preview of the intense energy and rivalries leading up to AKO8. The fight card revealed 9 thrilling matchups, headlined by the long-awaited semi-final between Gasmire Diatta (aka The Killer AK-47) and Faout Youssef (aka Super Saiyan), in the Featherweight Fight. The co-main fight featured Xavier Adams Boa vs. Venatius Chidubem Iyinagolu (aka Vuga De Great) in the Light Heavyweight Fight.
Tensions ran high at the Face-off, with intense verbal exchanges between main event, co-main event, and undercard fighters, heightening the anticipation for fight night. During interviews, the fighters confidently declared their readiness to leave everything in the cage and claim victory.
Speaking at the face-off, Rayan Fayad, COO of AKO, reaffirmed the championship’s vision: “African Knockout is the heart of MMA in Africa. We are committed to elevating the sport by bringing together the best professional fighters from across the continent, providing them with a world-class platform to showcase their skills, and driving African MMA toward global recognition”
Fight Card Details:
- Main Event (Semi-Final): Gasmire Diatta vs. Faout Youssef (Featherweight Fight)
- Co-Featured Event: Xavier Adams Boa vs. Venatius Chidubem Iyinagolu (Light Heavyweight Fight)
- Osigwe Chidinma Jane vs. Marie Estelle Mengue (Women’s Bantamweight Fight)
- Chad Hanekom vs. Memon Abdoulaye Kone (Middleweight Fight)
- Mandar Sanaa vs. Obanla Joy Ebanda (Women’s Bantamweight Fight)
- Philemon Jeb Bitrus vs. Mathieu Aboya (Featherweight Fight)
- Jordan Cabrel Fongno Mbetchin vs. Sodik Olawale Amao (Middleweight Fight)
- Kingsley Ajunwa vs. Emmanuel Nworie (Lightweight Fight)
- Oluwadamilare Timothy Ayilaran vs. Lewis Mataya (Bantamweight Fight)
To experience the adrenaline live, secure your tickets now, exclusively on Whatadeal.
AKO8 is proudly sponsored by Bank of Industry, Fearless, and Ace Global, further solidifying its place as Africa’s leading MMA championship.
For the latest updates, follow @theakoshow on social media or visit www.ako.show. For Media Inquiries, contact YD Company – yd@yettyd.com
About African Knockout (AKO) Championship
The African Knockout (AKO) Championship is Africa’s premier MMA organization, dedicated to promoting and developing martial arts talent across the continent. Co-founded by Kamaru Usman, the first African-born UFC Champion, AKO aims to elevate African combat sports and create a pathway for emerging talent.
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